An Elder Pilgrim's Reflections

“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree so that the birds of the air  come and make nests in its branches.” Two years ago, I planted several Peony bulbs. The following Spring when one shoot sprung forth, I was delighted and feeling a sense of satisfaction. I waited for other bulbs to send a shoot forth, but they were operating on their own time-frame.  I waited patiently for any shoot to produce a bud which produced a flower. This is year two and I wonder which will come first, a flower or the Apocalypse?   Reflecting on Jesus' parable of the mustard seed, I see a description of the Kingdom of God. Jesus stresses the seed grows into something majestic and unimaginable becoming a sign of God's Kingdom. For me, it's not the plant's size or growing into a shrub and then a 60' tree, but the kingdom-like qualities. Hea...

"For great is your steadfast love toward me;  you have delivered my soul  from the depths of Sheol." (from Psalm 86:11-17 ) On June 23, 2018, a junior association soccer team chose to explore Tham Luang Nang Non, a karstic cave with complex deep recesses, narrow passages and tunnels. Twelve members of the team aged 11 to 16, and their 25-year-old assistant coach went missing after setting out to explore the cave after a practice session. Shortly after they entering the cave, team was stranded in the tunnels by sudden and continuous monsoon rains partially flooding the cave system, blocking their way out and trapping them deep within. They were stranded and out of contract for over a week since all rescue attempts to locate the group were hampered by rising water and strong currents. Rescue efforts grew into a massive operation amid intense worldwide public interest which involved international rescue teams involving nearly 10,000 people. Between July 8 and 10, all 12 boys...

"For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hand" (from Isaiah 55:10-13 ) Vermont is experiencing a catastrophic flooding event. As my District Superintendent described it, "the rain falls and the flood waters rise". Barre, where I lived, and Montpelier, were inundated with rain causing the flooding and covering streets with mud. Montpelier, for a time, evacuated residents, two of whom I know. Montpelier cancelled a boil water order  due to contaminants and closed the main streets. Small towns, such as Weston and Londonderry, were flooded and temporarily isolated. Roads and bridges have been washed away including the historic Queechy covered bridge Reflecting on the impact of this catastrophic event, two thoughts occurred to me. First, there is an economic consequence to local businesses and the towns and cities as they attempt to recover. The co...

"Come to me, all you that are weary  and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart,  and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (from  Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 ) The evening news stresses my soul. I watch the 6 O'clock news and the 8-10 O'clock analysis and commentary of major events including on-location of the Ukraine War. It's possible to disconnect from the evening news by pushing a remote button and watching "Jeopardy". For me, that's irresponsible discipleship because I would also be disconnecting from those weary and carrying heavy burdens such as the traffic director on a road crew in the summer heat or the undocumented worker in a Florida citrus grove. After all, Jesus taught the disciples, the weary ones were the sick and the lame, the lepers and demon-possessed, the tax collectors and sinners, the poor in spirit, th...